U.S. patent application number 13/592167 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for vehicle covering having a frame, trim and a decorative element.
This patent application is currently assigned to FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE. The applicant listed for this patent is Godefroy Beau, Jean-Francois Oeuvrard. Invention is credited to Godefroy Beau, Jean-Francois Oeuvrard.
Application Number | 20130221695 13/592167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44681361 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130221695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beau; Godefroy ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
VEHICLE COVERING HAVING A FRAME, TRIM AND A DECORATIVE ELEMENT
Abstract
A vehicle covering that includes a frame, a trim having a skin
covering the frame, and a decorative element positioned on a
visible external face of the skin. The vehicle covering further
includes a stiffening component positioned in the trim locally
facing the decorative element and capable of limiting deformations
of the trim by compression.
Inventors: |
Beau; Godefroy; (La Garenne
Colombes, FR) ; Oeuvrard; Jean-Francois; (Cergy
Pontoise, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Beau; Godefroy
Oeuvrard; Jean-Francois |
La Garenne Colombes
Cergy Pontoise |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
FAURECIA INTERIEUR
INDUSTRIE
Nanterre
FR
|
Family ID: |
44681361 |
Appl. No.: |
13/592167 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/1.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 13/02 20130101;
B60R 21/045 20130101; B32B 3/263 20130101; B32B 3/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/1.08 |
International
Class: |
B60R 13/02 20060101
B60R013/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 23, 2011 |
FR |
11 57475 |
Claims
1. A vehicle covering of the type comprising a frame, a trim
covering the frame, the trim comprising a skin having a visible
external face, and a decorative element positioned on the external
face of the skin, characterized in that it further comprises a
stiffening component positioned in the trim locally facing the
decorative element and capable of limiting deformations of the trim
by compression.
2. The covering according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening
component comprises a boss formed in the frame locally facing the
decorative element and protruding towards the skin.
3. The covering according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening
component comprises at least one protrusion made in one piece with
the frame locally located facing the decorative element and
protruding from the frame towards the skin.
4. The covering according to claim 3, wherein the stiffening
component comprises several protrusions facing the decorative
element.
5. The covering according to claim 3, wherein the stiffening
component comprises at least one protrusion as a pin or a rib.
6. The covering according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening
component comprises a block added between the frame and the skin
facing the decorative element.
7. The covering according to claim 6, wherein the block is
porous.
8. The covering according to claim 6, wherein the block is stiffer
in compression than an intermediate layer of the trim interposed
between the skin and the frame.
9. The covering according to claim 1, wherein the trim comprises an
intermediate layer interposed between the skin and the frame.
10. The covering according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate
layer interposed between the skin and the frame is a foam layer
giving a soft touch to the trim.
11. The covering according to claim 9, wherein the thickness of the
intermediate layer facing the decorative element is 30 to 80%
smaller than that around the decorative element.
12. The covering according to claim 9, wherein the thickness of the
intermediate layer facing the decorative element is 40 to 70%
smaller than that around the decorative element.
13. The covering according to claim 1, wherein the soft touch of
the trim is reduced facing the decorative element.
14. A motor vehicle comprising a covering according to claim 1.
15. A vehicle covering of the type comprising: a frame; a trim
covering the frame, the trim comprising a skin having a visible
external face; and a decorative element positioned on the external
face of the skin, wherein the vehicle covering includes stiffening
means located adjacent the decorative element for limiting
compressive deformations of the trim underneath the decorative
element.
16. The covering according to claim 15, wherein the stiffening
means comprises a boss formed in the frame locally facing the
decorative element and protruding towards the skin.
17. The covering according to claim 15, wherein the stiffening
means comprises at least one protrusion made in one piece with the
frame locally located facing the decorative element and protruding
from the frame towards the skin.
18. The covering according to claim 15, wherein the stiffening
means comprises a block added between the frame and the skin facing
the decorative element.
19. The covering according to claim 6, wherein the block is porous
and is stiffer in compression than an intermediate layer of the
trim interposed between the skin and the frame.
20. The covering according to claim 19, wherein the thickness of
the intermediate layer facing the decorative element is 30 to 80%
smaller than that around the decorative element.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle covering of the type that
includes a frame, a trim comprising a skin covering the frame, and
a decorative element positioned on an external face of the
skin.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With a flexible trim compressible to touch, it is possible
to obtain a comfortable touch and quality perceived as
satisfactory.
[0003] FR 2 729 913 discloses a vehicle covering, in which the trim
comprises a foam layer interposed between the skin of the trim and
the stiff frame, so as to give flexibility to the trim.
[0004] FR 2 850 077 discloses a vehicle covering of the
aforementioned type, in which the flexible trim comprises
projections made with the skin in the same material and which bear
upon the frame so as to give flexibility to the trim.
[0005] A decorative element attached on the trim provides a finish
to the covering. Different decorative elements may be provided
according to the selected finish or options.
[0006] A decorative element is for example provided as a thin and
flexible sheet applied upon the skin. A final user may touch the
decorative element. Because of the flexibility of the decorative
element and of the deformability of the trim to the touch, there
exists a risk of detaching the decorative element and the trim
and/or of breaking the decorative element, because of a too large
deformation of the decorative element and of the trim.
SUMMARY
[0007] One of the objects of the invention is to propose a motor
vehicle covering comprising a decorative element on a trim of the
covering, which may be manufactured simply and economically while
limiting the risks of deteriorating the decorative element and
reducing the flexible touch of the trim facing this decorative
element.
[0008] For this purpose, the invention proposes a vehicle covering
of the aforementioned type characterized in that it further
comprises stiffening component or stiffening means positioned in
the trim locally facing the decorative elements and able to limit
deformations of the trim by compression.
[0009] According to other embodiments, the covering comprises one
or more of the following features, taken individually or according
to all technically possible combinations: [0010] the stiffening
component comprises a boss formed in the frame locally facing the
decorative element and protruding towards the skin; [0011] the
stiffening component comprises at least one protrusion made in one
piece with the frame, located locally facing the decorative element
and protruding from the frame towards the skin; [0012] the
stiffening component comprises several protrusions facing the
decorative element; [0013] the stiffening component comprises at
least one protrusion as a pin or a rib; [0014] the stiffening
component comprises a block added between the frame and the skin
facing the decorative element; [0015] the block is porous; [0016]
the block is stiffer in compression than an intermediate layer of
the trim interposed between the skin and the frame; [0017] the trim
comprises an intermediate layer interposed between the skin and the
frame; [0018] the intermediate layer interposed between the skin
and the frame is a foam layer giving a soft touch to the trim;
[0019] the thickness of the intermediate layer facing the
decorative element is 30 to 80% smaller than that around the
decorative element, preferably 40 to 70% less; [0020] the soft
touch of the trim is reduced facing the decorative element.
[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a
covering as defined above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention and advantages thereof will be better
understood upon reading the description which follows, only given
as an example and made with reference to the appended drawings,
wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a covering;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a covering according
to a first embodiment in accordance with the invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a covering according
to a second embodiment in accordance with the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a covering according
to a third embodiment in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The covering illustrated in FIG. 1 is an inner covering of
the vehicle, for example a motor vehicle. The covering 2 is for
example a dashboard of a motor vehicle.
[0028] The covering 2 comprises a stiff frame 4, a flexible trim 6
covering the frame 4 and a decorative element 8 positioned on the
trim 6.
[0029] The frame 4, sometimes called an "insert", is curved in
order to give its curvature to the covering 2. The covering portion
2 illustrated in FIG. 1 is planar.
[0030] The frame 4 is for example made in a thermoplastic material,
for example a polyolefin, a homopolymer or copolymer, optionally
comprising mineral fillers or a reinforcement with glass fibers, or
for example in ABS-PC (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and
polycarbonate), optionally reinforced with glass fibers. These
materials have stiffness allowing them to fulfill a supporting
function.
[0031] The trim 6 is compressible to the touch. It gives the
covering a pleasant soft touch and adding value thereto.
[0032] The trim 6 comprises a skin 10 covering the frame 4 and an
intermediate layer 12 interposed between the skin 10 and the frame
4.
[0033] The skin 10 comprises an external face 14 oriented outwards
from the covering 2, opposite the frame 4 and intended to be
visible. The external face 14 defines the visible face of the
covering 2.
[0034] The intermediate layer 12 is for example a foam, notably a
PU (polyurethane) foam.
[0035] Alternatively, the intermediate layer 12 is a gel. Still
alternatively, the trim 6 may comprise ribs made with the skin in
the same material and protruding from the skin and bearing upon the
frame.
[0036] The skin 10 is flexible. It appears as a thin sheet made in
a synthetic or natural material.
[0037] The skin 10 is for example provided as a sheet of plastic
material, a fabric of synthetic or natural fibers, leather, or
leather substitute.
[0038] The decorative element 8 appears as a thin and flexible
sheet cut according to a determined profile.
[0039] The decorative element 8 is fitted into the skin 10 so that
it is flush with a peripheral region of the external face 14
surrounding the decorative element 8 or set back towards the
interior of the trim 6 relatively to this peripheral region.
[0040] Such a covering 2 is made by thermoforming the skin 10
against the decorative element 8, and then by forming the
intermediate layer 12 between the skin 10 and the frame 4. The
intermediate layer 12 is for example obtained by molding with
foaming between the skin 10 and the frame 4.
[0041] Alternatively, such a covering 2 is for example made by
thermoforming the trim 6 against the decorative element 8 and the
frame 4 in a thermoforming mold, so as to conform the trim 6 with
the frame 4, to fit the decorative element 8 into the skin 10 and
to secure together the frame 4, the trim 6 and the decorative
element 8. The initially flat trim 6, and comprising the skin 10
and the intermediate layer 12, is inserted into the thermoforming
mold, heated and pressed in the mold against the decorative element
8 and the frame 4, simultaneously or sequentially.
[0042] An adhesive layer (not shown) is interposed between the
decorative element 8 and the skin 10 for attaching the decorative
element 8 onto the skin 10. The adhesive layer is for example
heat-activatable so as to be activated during thermoforming of the
skin 10 against the decorative element, during the thermoforming of
the trim 6 on the decorative element 8, or during the molding of
the intermediate layer 12.
[0043] Because of the flexibility of the decorative element 8 and
of the skin 10, and of the compressibility to touch of the trim 6,
there exists a risk that a user pressing on the decorative element
8 deforms it in such a way that it deteriorates or is detached from
the skin 10. Further, this flexibility of the decorative element 8
and of the skin 10 combined with the compressibility to touch of
the trim 6 gives a soft touch to the trim facing the decorative
element 8 which is not necessarily desired.
[0044] The coverings 2 illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 differ from that
of FIG. 1 in that they further comprise a stiffening component 16
positioned in the trim 6 locally facing the decorative element 8.
The stiffening component 16 acts as a stiffening means that is able
to limit deformations of the trim 6 by compression. Thus, the
vehicle covering may include any stiffening means suitable for
limiting compressive deformations of the trim underneath the
decorative element.
[0045] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the stiffening
component 16 is made in one piece with the frame 4 and extends from
the frame 4 towards the skin 10.
[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the stiffening component 16
comprises a boss 18 formed in the frame 4 locally facing the
decorative element 8. The boss 18 extends into the trim 6. The boss
18 protrudes towards the decorative element 8 relatively to a
peripheral region of the frame 4 surrounding the boss 18. The boss
18 is hollow here.
[0047] The boss 18 defines with the skin 10 a region of lesser
thickness of the trim 6 relatively to a peripheral region of the
trim 6 surrounding the decorative element 8. The boss 18 locally
prevents too large deformations of the trim 6 and thus stiffens the
trim 6 locally. Risks of deterioration are therefore limited.
[0048] A compressible material such as a foam has an
incompressibility threshold from which the material becomes stiffer
and more difficult to compress. Provision of a boss 18 facing the
decorative element 8 gives the possibility of reaching the
incompressibility threshold of the intermediate layer 12 more
rapidly before reaching too large deformations of the decorative
element 8 or of the trim 6.
[0049] In an embodiment, the thickness of the intermediate layer 12
facing the decorative element 8 is 30 to 80% smaller than that
around the decorative element 8, preferably 40 to 70% smaller.
[0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the stiffening component 16
comprises a plurality of protrusions 20 provided locally facing the
decorative element 8, the protrusions 20 being made with the frame
4 in the same material and protruding from the frame 4 towards the
decorative element 8.
[0051] The protrusions 20 have the shape of pins and/or ribs. The
protrusions 20 are spaced apart from each other.
[0052] The protrusions 20 limit the thickness of the intermediate
layer 12 between the skin 10 and the free ends of the protrusions
20 adjacent to the skin 10. The protrusions 20 locally limit the
deformation of the trims 6 and of the decorative element upon
applying a pressure force on the decorative element 8. Risks of
deterioration are therefore limited.
[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the stiffening component 16
comprises a block 22 added onto the frame 4 facing the decorative
elements 8. The block 22 is inserted into the trim 6 and positioned
between the frame 4 and the skin 10. Here, it is embedded in the
intermediate layer 12.
[0054] The block 22 is stiffer in compression than the intermediate
layer 12 for limiting the deformations of the trim 6 to the touch.
In an embodiment, the block 22 is stiff to the touch.
Alternatively, the block 22 is compressible to the touch so as to
allow a small deformation of the trim 6.
[0055] The block 22 is advantageously porous, preferably with open
cells, so as to be penetrated by the intermediate layer 12 during
the manufacturing of the covering 2. In a particular embodiment,
the block 22 is a porous foam block with open cells which is
stiffer in compression than the intermediate layer 12.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the block 22 extends from the
frame 4 as far as the skin 10.
[0057] Alternatively, the block 22 extends from the frame 4 towards
the skin 10 while being interrupted at a distance from the skin
8.
[0058] Preferably, the block 22 is provided on the frame 4. It is
initially attached onto the frame 4 before molding the intermediate
layer 12 or thermoforming the trim 6 on the frame 4.
[0059] Thus, the covering according to the invention allows
limitation of the deformation of the trim facing the decorative
element and therefore the risk of deterioration of the decorative
element or detachment of the decorative element and of the trim,
but also reduction in the soft touch of the trim facing the
decorative element.
[0060] The decorative element may be maintained as a very flexible
thin sheet, easy to make and to integrate into the covering and
having a low manufacturing cost.
[0061] The invention in particular applies to dashboards of motor
vehicles and more generally to any covering of a motor vehicle and
may for example be applied to the inner covering of motor vehicle
doors.
* * * * *